Tag - 4K

Occasionally, defining a technical term for other people to understand is deceptively easy. In some cases, the thing you are being asked about can be described in a few sentences, and with a tiny bit of prior knowledge, can even be summed up with just one simple statement. The deception lies in that it isn't just the definition you have to supply, but the obligatory follow-up questions that force you to justify why it exists. Today's subject, 4K (as in TVs, monitors, video resolutions and so forth), fits neatly into this highly-annoying category.

Apple continues to focus its consumer desktop efforts around all-in-one iMac designs, for better or worse, with its most recent upgrade efforts centered on bringing Retina displays to them. The latest refresh to the 21.5-inch iMac brings with it a 4K Ultra HD panel with support for the P3 color gamut favored by graphic designers, giving it additional appeal. While the new display is a real highlight, the question is: should you jump in with the entry-level model, our review unit, or go for one of the other options? Check out our review for the pros and cons.

Sony has introduced two new video cameras with 4K video recording capabilities at CES, with both aimed at the consumer market. The FDR-AX53 is an upgrade from last year's AX33 HandyCam, while the HDR-AS50 is an action camera that not only offers the high-resolution recording functionality, but also introduces a new redesigned body that makes it easier for owners to get started filming with the imaging device.

Kodak has created a follow-up to the PixPro SP360 action camera, one which could be attractive to those producing VR-friendly spherical videos. The PixPro SP360 4K is similar in construction to its predecessor, resembling a cube with a domed camera lens on the top for a 360-degree video, but aside from the higher resolution, it can also be combined with a second unit to create a complete spherical video, compatible with Facebook and YouTube's 360 video services.

The UHD Alliance (UHDA), the inter-industry group charged with fostering the Ultra HD ecosystem, today unveiled a program to identify devices, content and services capable of delivering a "premium" 4K Ultra HD picture. The logo is licensable, and is reserved for products and services that comply with performance metrics for resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), peak luminance, black levels and wide color gamut.

Telestream has announced the availability of the newest version of its Episode video encoding software, Episode 7.0. The new software adds 64-bit technology support for faster encoding and better memory allocation, more encoding presets, as well as full 4K video support.

The latest version of the 21.5-inch iMac, now sporting a new 4K-capable Retina display, has been torn down by repair tool sellers iFixit and given an expected low score for repairability (1 out of 10) due to Apple's production techniques on the line. The examination revealed little in the way of new information, confirming that the new custom Retina-quality panel was made by LG and that the design of the Wi-Fi antenna had been secured and changed slightly.

Following the introduction of the new 4K 21.5-inch Retina iMac and the refresh of the 27-inch 5K Retina iMacs, Apple has updated iMovie for Mac to version 10.1, bringing support for both 1080p 60fps slow-motion video as well as 4K video editing at 3840x2160 on "compatible Mac computers." These include Macs from 2011 or later with at least 4GB of RAM, although full-resolution 4K video playback requires one of the Retina iMac models, or a Mac Pro that is connected to a 4K display.

Asustor has announced the launch of the diamond plate-finished 31 series NAS devices for multimedia prosumers -- the new 31 series consists of the two-bay AS3102T and the four-bay AS3104T. Both new models feature 4K multimedia playback and AES-NI encryption, in addition to server support for a large amount of media playback applications.

Apple may be preparing to launch new iMacs with 4K-resolution displays in the near future, according to a report. It is claimed new 21.5-inch iMacs equipped with the high-resolution screens will be revealed next week, with Apple allegedly looking to ship the initial batches to stores by October 13, with increased availability of the computer apparently expected in November, in preparation for the holiday shopping period.

Now AAPL Stock: The symbol you provided ("AAPL") doesn't appear to be registered

Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit

Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

Share

Developer602d

Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]

Share

602d

Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera

Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

Share

Industry602d

Apple employees testing wheelchair features

New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

Share

Troubleshooting602d

SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards

SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

Share

Upgrades/storage602d

Apple's third-quarter results due July 26

Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

Share

Investor603d

Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users

Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE